Gotten any fun stuff lately?

[Shel_B]

43 minutes ago, DesertTinker said:

I’m six feet tall, so not vertically challenged, but it’s more comfortable to put things into the container when it’s on the base. The handle is very nicely finished (see attached pics) the brushed finish gives it a bit of texture, so not slippery. It weighs 3 lbs 6 1/8 oz (1.342kg). I just put a couple of cups of water in and tipped it on its side, zero leakage around the rim, of course the center cap is not sealed, only for splash protection. The other thing that I really like is the way it fits on the base, there’s not that looseness that the plastic has, it’s not tight or stuck feeling, just a properly fitted snugness, doesn’t do that partial rotation when turned on and not as tippy/loose.

 

 

Thanks for the great description and excellent pictures. They have helped me decide to get the SS container ... now I need to find a deal as $200 is a bit steep for something I don't need. I'll keep an eye on Amazon and Vitamix.

 

Edited to add that Costco sells 'em for $160.00 including shipping when they're available.

Edited December 26, 2024 by Shel_B (log)

[JAZ]

Not sure these count as "fun," but we replaced our old sheet pans and racks with new ones for Christmas.

 

Out with the old:

 

 

In with the new:

[Laurentius]

On 12/26/2024 at 10:38 AM, Shel_B said:

 

 

Did the change in battery type affect the size of the thermometer at all?

 

I've not measured exactly, but the One is very, very close to the Mk. 3 in size.  But I'll note that Thermoworks warns that the silicone boot for Mk. 3 will not fit the One.

Edited December 27, 2024 by Laurentius
Typo (log)

[Shel_B]

1 hour ago, Laurentius said:

I've not measured exactly, but the One is very, very close to the Mk. 3 in size.  But I'll note that Thermoworks warns that the silicone boot for Mk. 3 will not fit the One.

 

I appreciate your response and it gives me a starting point.  I don't see the Mk. 3 on the 'Works site, and the only size reference I have is to my thermometer, which is fairly old, perhaps the first model? It's at least 11 years old, with no backlight, no rotating face, and with button batteries.

 

Soon after purchasing my unit, I discovered that it would be nice to have the backlit and rotating face, but it made no sense to replace it so soon after purchasing. Now, many years later, and with the new model on sale, would be a good time to upgrade.

 

I called ThermoWorks and got the information I wanted and will probably upgrade. One thing that's holding me back is that I'm also considering a wireless temperature probe.

[Laurentius]

36 minutes ago, Shel_B said:

I called ThermoWorks and got the information I wanted and will probably upgrade. One thing that's holding me back is that I'm also considering a wireless temperature probe.

 

No problem.

 

You should also know that there's a stackable coupon for an additional 10% off items in the Christmas Sale.  Use coupon code TWGYW4RA9Z.

[liuzhou]

Apparently to be a civilised drinker, you need to be equipped with more than a mouth. Who knew?

 

These are examples of such. Unfortunately, they didn't come with instructions (or anything to drink).

 

Two shot glasses. Who shot them?

 

A combination 15ml and 30 ml cup for measuring something. Can't be for alcohol. Who drinks only 15ml of alcohol? What is wrong with pints? 

 

 

 

[Katie Meadow]

3 hours ago, liuzhou said:

Apparently to be a civilised drinker, you need to be equipped with more than a mouth. Who knew?

 

These are examples of such. Unfortunately, they didn't come with instructions (or anything to drink).

 

Two shot glasses. Who shot them?

 

A combination 15ml and 30 ml cup for measuring something. Can't be for alcohol. Who drinks only 15ml of alcohol? What is wrong with pints? 

 

 

 

No kidding. I drink my rye straight from the bottle. 750ml = one shot.

[liuzhou]

Bought me some eggs.

 

 

Front L-R:  Duck, Chicken, Quail, Goose.

 

Back Centre:  Ostrich

 

 

[liuzhou]

Well, I think this could be fun!

 

A selection of small tools I bought this morning, prompted by my funnel having disappeared into the same place as socks go when they leave their partner mid-way through a wash cycle carrying off my Tupperware lids.

 

 

 

[KennethT]

Has anyone seen or used this:

https://www.stirmate.com/

 

Traditional Indonesian (Sumatra) rendang is cooked over low heat for like 8 hours while being constantly stirred.  I don't mind stirring the last bit by hand, but standing around for 8 hours isn't appealing.... hehe.  If this thing worked well, I can think of quite a few uses for it.

[Tropicalsenior]

3 minutes ago, KennethT said:

Has anyone seen or used this

I've seen something similar reviewed on English TV and it was a dismal failure. But I think the one that they had was more in the class of a Gadget rather than a serious Appliance.

[chromedome]

On 1/5/2025 at 10:23 PM, liuzhou said:

Well, I think this could be fun!

 

A selection of small tools I bought this morning, prompted by my funnel having disappeared into the same place as socks go when they leave their partner mid-way through a wash cycle carrying off my Tupperware lids.

 

 

 

I have a collapsing silicone funnel like that one, but have used it maybe three times in as many years... because the grandkids are fascinated with it, and the damned thing is never in the drawer when I want it!

(I love sharing a home with them, don't get me wrong, but of course there are frustrations and this is one of 'em. At least once/week I'll go around the yard and collect up cups, silverware and especially bowls that have somehow migrated outside and never come back.)

[Laurentius]

2 hours ago, chromedome said:

I'll go around the yard and collect up cups, silverware and especially bowls that have somehow migrated outside and never come back.

At least these kids are going outside to play.

[chromedome]

42 minutes ago, Laurentius said:

At least these kids are going outside to play.

Yes, for sure. They do get their share of screen time (it's 2025, after all) but they both have lots of imaginative playtime indoors and out.

[JoNorvelleWalker]

On 1/9/2025 at 5:30 PM, KennethT said:

Has anyone seen or used this:

https://www.stirmate.com/

 

Traditional Indonesian (Sumatra) rendang is cooked over low heat for like 8 hours while being constantly stirred.  I don't mind stirring the last bit by hand, but standing around for 8 hours isn't appealing.... hehe.  If this thing worked well, I can think of quite a few uses for it.

 

I have a StirMATE.  I use it primarily for polenta.  Works well.  I understand the newer models have variable speed.

 

[liuzhou]

Yesterday, I had fun shopping in a newish store in Nanning, the provincial capital an hour south of Liuzhou by bullet train. Its game is importing ingredients from Thailand and Vietnam as well as other SE Asian countries. I’ve often moaned here about not being able to get these goodies despite us bordering Vietnam and only three hours from Bangkok.

 

So, I bought some eggplants / aubergines which I posted here in the relevant topic. Here are a couple more purchases which don’t have a dedicated topic or really merit one.

 

First up is Alpinia galanga, galingal, Thai: ข่า (kha), Vietnamese: riềng nếp; Chinese: 高良姜 (gāo liáng jiāng). I was able to source this occasionally in the past, but this new place will hopefully be more reliable.

 

Galingal

 

Next we have something I am more excited about. This is the first time for me to find it here, although I’m told it is native to and still grows in neighbouring Yunnan province. They must keep it all for themselves!

 

Boesenbergia rotunda, fingerroot, Thai: กระชาย (krachai); Vietnamese: ngải bún or nga truật; Chinese: 凹唇姜 (āo chún jiāng).

 

 

The English name, one of many, is derived from its appearance. The Chinese name literally means ‘concave lip ginger’, which is derived from who knows what?

 

That'll come in handy!

 

Both of these are in the ginger family, but are subtly different in taste from other members and each other.
 

 

[KennethT]

8 hours ago, liuzhou said:

Yesterday, I had fun shopping in a newish store in Nanning, the provincial capital an hour south of Liuzhou by bullet train. Its game is importing ingredients from Thailand and Vietnam as well as other SE Asian countries. I’ve often moaned here about not being able to get these goodies despite us bordering Vietnam and only three hours from Bangkok.

 

So, I bought some eggplants / aubergines which I posted here in the relevant topic. Here are a couple more purchases which don’t have a dedicated topic or really merit one.

 

First up is Alpinia galanga, galingal, Thai: ข่า (kha), Vietnamese: riềng nếp; Chinese: 高良姜 (gāo liáng jiāng). I was able to source this occasionally in the past, but this new place will hopefully be more reliable.

 

Galingal

 

Next we have something I am more excited about. This is the first time for me to find it here, although I’m told it is native to and still grows in neighbouring Yunnan province. They must keep it all for themselves!

 

Boesenbergia rotunda, fingerroot, Thai: กระชาย (krachai); Vietnamese: ngải bún or nga truật; Chinese: 凹唇姜 (āo chún jiāng).

 

 

The English name, one of many, is derived from its appearance. The Chinese name literally means ‘concave lip ginger’, which is derived from who knows what?

 

That'll come in handy!

 

Both of these are in the ginger family, but are subtly different in taste from other members and each other.
 

 

That's some nice looking galangal.  If you want some other names for it, it's called lengkuas in Bahasa Indonesia and Malay - one of the culinary terms that actually translate the same (not all do - ginger is jahe in Bahasa and halia in Malay).

[Shel_B]

I just tried Marie Sharp's Noplales-Green Habanero sauce. Its ingredients include prickly pear, also known as nopal, paired with key lime juice and green habanero to create a nice citrusy flavor. The sauce has a medium heat level which is very pleasant for me.  Ingredients are nopales, green habanero peppers, vinegar, onions, lime juice, salt, and garlic.  Another winner from Marie! 

 😍

 

[weinoo]

Of course, at almost 300 mg. sodium PER TABLESPOON,  it must taste good.

[Maison Rustique]

13 hours ago, weinoo said:

Of course, at almost 300 mg. sodium PER TABLESPOON,  it must taste good.

 

I would love it then. I have always loved salt, but the last year or so, I crave it. And I eat a ton of it. I do know that salt and sweet taste buds seem to stay strongest as we age, so maybe that's why. I thought my doctor would have a fit over my sodium levels when I had blood work done a couple of months ago, but it was actually low. Go figure! I'm gonna keep eating my salt. And anything else I want. At my age, who cares!

[TicTac]

On 1/13/2025 at 6:55 AM, Maison Rustique said:

 

I would love it then. I have always loved salt, but the last year or so, I crave it. And I eat a ton of it. I do know that salt and sweet taste buds seem to stay strongest as we age, so maybe that's why. I thought my doctor would have a fit over my sodium levels when I had blood work done a couple of months ago, but it was actually low. Go figure! I'm gonna keep eating my salt. And anything else I want. At my age, who cares!

If you love salt, highly recommend getting some Celtic Sea Salt.  Not only is it extremely high in various minerals etc but it has a far more subtle and pleasant taste than most other salts I have tried.  Not cheap, but worth it.

[Smithy]

My sister sent me a wonderful assortment of gifts, collected over the years and sent now as a Christmas present.

 

These charming measuring spoons may not be very practical or accurate (I haven't tested them yet) but I hope they'll be sturdy enough not to break easily. 

 

 

This little spreading knife is perfect for the hummus I'm eating now, or a smoked salmon pate I may buy in the near future:

 

 

I've never seen this sort of cooking mat before. The box claims that it spreads heat more evenly and reduces flare-ups over live fire. It also claims to allow perfect grill marks! I haven't figured out how that's supposed to work, but I'll have fun trying.

 

 

We both are of an age where we should be downsizing, not accumulating; however, we still love the impulse purchases. As a result we often buy "irresistible" things for each other! 🙂

 

Speaking of impulse purchases: yesterday I was in a hardware store and ran across this:

 

 

 

Culinary purchases at a hardware store can be hit or miss, but I've had some good hits. I like the ingredient list. My moratorium on buying new ingredients until I whittle down the current stock went right out the window. What the heck -- grab opportunities while you can!